I’ve been ordering my Japan iTunes cards through JBOX exclusively. Recently, I found out Japan Codes sells them as well. I decided to try them for comparison. Yesterday, I ordered Japan iTunes cards from both around 10:30 am. I received my codes from both around 11:30 pm. You’re asking why it took so long? Most likely because of the time difference and neither store was open. Both stores sent my redemption codes promptly as far as I can tell.

So how are the stores different? I think JBOX has earned a better reputation for itself. Both storefronts are similar except JBOX uses a secure server. Japan Codes uses PayPal’s server for the actual transaction so that’s secure except setting up an account (i.e. name, password) on their site is done in an unsecure manner so you may have some privacy concerns with that.

Another difference is Japan Codes offers 10,000 yen iTunes Cards with an $8.00 markup while JBOX’s largest card is 3,000 yen with a $13.00 markup. You’ll save money buying from Japan Codes.

My first experience using Japan Codes didn’t go smoothly. I received my redemption codes by email. They actually sent me codes for two 5,000 yen cards. One code did not work. I emailed them and 6 hours later they emailed me back apologizing for a typo along with the correct code. I’m happy with that–they took care of my problem before closing shop.

Would I recommend either store? Yes, but I prefer the reliability of JBOX. I only wish JBOX sold 10,000 yen cards.

I’ve been wondering about Spotify for listening to anime soundtracks and jpop. After some quick searches I determined Spotify wasn’t worth it. I searched for some popular artists and anime with dismal results

Megumi Hayashibara: None

Yoko Kanno: 1 Album

m-flo: 1 Song

Round Table featuring Nino: None

Neon Genesis Evangelion: None

Home Made Kazoku: None

Crystal Kay: 1 Song

Yui Horie: None

BoA: 1 Song

Rurouni Kenshin: None

MISIA: None

Utada Hikaru: None

I did find covers on some of the above but that’s not what I wanted. You’ll find much better selection on iTunes U.S.

First open iTunes, scroll down and click the U.S. icon on the bottom right corner.
On the next page, select Japan from the list of countries. Next, click the “Sign In” button in the upper right corner of iTunes. Next, you see a popup with the option to create an Apple id–click the button.
The next page welcomes you to the iTunes store, click the continue button.
The next page requires you to check the agreement box and click the “Agree” button.
On the next page you’ll enter your email, create a password and complete other information then click “Continue.”
Next, you’ll complete your billing information and address. If you are redeeming a Japanese iTunes card enter the code and leave the credit card info blank. Enter your Japanese address too–JBOX will tell you how to complete that. Click the “Create Apple ID” button and you’re done. By the way, a U.S. credit card will not work.

Update

Some customers have reported that iTMS won’t let you proceed without entering a credit card. In order to bypass this, hit the “Home” button and begin the Redeem process again, and you’ll see the “None” button the second time through. — JBOX

I’ve already posted about Gunbuster Music Collection on iTunes ($11.99). Gunbuster 2 is also on iTunes for ($11.99). Gunbuster 2 has 44 tracks including Groovin’ Magic by ROUND TABLE featuring Nino as well as the ending theme “Hoshi Kuzu Namida” by ACKO–both songs are full versions. If you have trouble finding it search “top wo nerae.”